Why Ratify Now?

The need for Law of the Sea Treaty ratification has grown more urgent with time and current U.S. economic and security interests make immediate ratification imperative. Ratification would protect or guarantee:

America’s legitimate claims to vast areas of the Arctic, which, absent U.S. ratification, can be encroached upon by other nations. Russia has already submitted a claim for almost half of the Arctic, and Canada intends to put forth a large claim, parts of which could encroach upon America’s exclusive economic zone recognized under the Treaty.

Unfettered ability to lay and maintain undersea communications cables that keep America connected across the globe.

American rights of passage, navigation and safety along critical maritime transit routes, including through the South China Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Access to economically important minerals, including rare earth minerals widely used in medical equipment, modern technology such as smart phones, flat screen TVs, electric vehicles and U.S. defense systems.

The American Sovereignty Campaign (TASC) brings together a broad, diverse and distinguished group of supporters – including national security officials and experts, business leaders and NGOs – to urge the Senate to ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty now.